VALE of Glamorgan MP, Alun Cairns raised the Welsh Government’s planned purchase of Cardiff Airport on the floor of the House of Commons last week and called for a positive engagement with international airlines.

During Welsh Questions last week in Westminster, Mr Cairns asked David Jones MP, Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has held on aviation policy in Wales, as the Vale MP is passionate about securing a sustainable future for the airport. The minister confirmed discussions had taken place with cabinet colleagues and the First Minister about Cardiff Airport and general aviation policy in Wales.

Although the Vale MP expressed concern that the Welsh Government is using much-needed capital public funds in the purchase of the airport, Mr Cairns said he is committed to working to attract new airlines and to make the airport sustainable.

Mr Cairns asked the Secretary of State to help encourage new airlines to consider using Cardiff airport in order to help increase the number of destinations it serves and to help ensure the future sustainability of the airport.

Mr Cairns said: “It is important that we remain positive in working to attract new activity to Cardiff Airport.

“I thought it vital that the Secretary of State for Wales had the proposed purchase of Cardiff Airport by the Welsh Government front of mind.

“I was keen to ensure that the minister would be proactive in encouraging new airlines to consider using Cardiff airport in order to increase the number of destinations it serves. This would help the future sustainability of the airport – vital for Vale residents and businesses.

“I also stressed the importance of the British Airways Maintenance Centre which uses the runway – BAMC provides a significant number of jobs."